Type 1 Diabetes Linked to Higher Dementia Risk

Study shows association but does not prove diabetes causes dementia

Mar. 19, 2026 at 7:12am

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A new study published in the medical journal Neurology has found that people with type 1 diabetes are nearly three times as likely to develop dementia compared to those without diabetes. The study also found that people with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to develop dementia. While the study shows an association between diabetes and dementia, it does not prove that diabetes causes dementia.

Why it matters

As advances in medical care have extended the lives of people with type 1 diabetes, understanding the relationship between type 1 diabetes and dementia risk has become increasingly important. This study suggests that type 1 diabetes may have a stronger link to dementia risk compared to type 2 diabetes, which was previously the focus of research in this area.

The details

The study involved over 283,000 people with an average age of 64. Of those, 5,442 had type 1 diabetes and 51,511 had type 2 diabetes. During the 2.4-year follow-up period, 2,348 people developed dementia, including 144 (2.6%) of those with type 1 diabetes, 942 (1.8%) of those with type 2 diabetes, and 1,262 (0.6%) of those without diabetes. After accounting for factors like age and education level, the researchers found that people with type 1 diabetes were nearly three times as likely to develop dementia, while those with type 2 diabetes were twice as likely.

  • The study was published on March 18, 2026.

The players

Jennifer Weuve

The study author and an MPH, ScD of Boston University.

American Academy of Neurology

The leading voice in brain health, with over 44,000 members, that provided access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology.

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What they’re saying

“As advances in medical care have extended the lives of people with type 1 diabetes, it's becoming increasingly important to understand the relation of type 1 diabetes to the risk of dementia.”

— Jennifer Weuve, Study Author

“Type 1 diabetes is not common, so this condition accounts for a small fraction of all dementia cases. But for the growing number of people with type 1 diabetes who are over 65 years old, these findings underscore the urgency of understanding the ways in which type 1 diabetes influences dementia risk and how we can prevent or delay it.”

— Jennifer Weuve, Study Author

What’s next

Researchers plan to further investigate the mechanisms by which type 1 diabetes may increase dementia risk, in order to develop strategies to prevent or delay dementia in this population.

The takeaway

This study highlights an important link between type 1 diabetes and increased dementia risk, which was previously less understood compared to the relationship between type 2 diabetes and dementia. These findings underscore the need for greater awareness and research into how type 1 diabetes may impact brain health as people with this condition live longer.